Write a note on Theosophical Society.
The Theosophical society was founded by westerners who were inspired and influenced by Indian thought and culture.
Madame HP Blavatsky of Russo-German birth laid the foundation of the movement in the United States in 1875. She was joined by MS Olcott of the US army. In 1882, its headquarters was shifted to Adyar, an outskirt of Madras.
The society believed in establishing a special relationship with God through contemplation, prayer, revelation and practicing yoga.
The society drew inspiration from the philosophy of Upanishads and Samkhya and Vedanta school of thought. It also reinforced Hindu beliefs in reincarnation and Karma. It aimed to work for the universal brotherhood without distinction of caste, race, sex and colour.
The society sought to investigate the unexplained laws of nature and the power latent in man. Later, Theosophical society came to be allied with Hindu Renaissance, especially after the election of Mrs Annie Besant as its President.
However, they attained a limited success as a Hindu revivalists. To an average Indian, the philosophy of Theosophical movement seemed vague and deficient. Its influence was limited to small segments of the westernized class only.
The Theosophical society was founded by westerners who were inspired and influenced by Indian thought and culture.
Madame HP Blavatsky of Russo-German birth laid the foundation of the movement in the United States in 1875. She was joined by MS Olcott of the US army. In 1882, its headquarters was shifted to Adyar, an outskirt of Madras.
The society believed in establishing a special relationship with God through contemplation, prayer, revelation and practicing yoga.
The society drew inspiration from the philosophy of Upanishads and Samkhya and Vedanta school of thought. It also reinforced Hindu beliefs in reincarnation and Karma. It aimed to work for the universal brotherhood without distinction of caste, race, sex and colour.
The society sought to investigate the unexplained laws of nature and the power latent in man. Later, Theosophical society came to be allied with Hindu Renaissance, especially after the election of Mrs Annie Besant as its President.
However, they attained a limited success as a Hindu revivalists. To an average Indian, the philosophy of Theosophical movement seemed vague and deficient. Its influence was limited to small segments of the westernized class only.